he repeated, in a tone that seemed a challenge.

"Most Illustrious Signoria!" cried Marcantonio; "once, in the history of
our Republic, hath it pleased this most gracious Senate to declare its
favor to a daughter of a master-worker of Murano, in a decree whereby it
was provided that the maid should wed a noble of most ancient house, and
if there should be children of the marriage, each name should stand
unprejudiced, with those of the nobles of Venice, in the 'Libro d'Oro.'
If I have found favor in your sight--I beseech you--that which the
Senate hath once decreed is again possible."

The senators looked at each other in consternation, awed at the boldness
of the petition and the wit of its presentation.

The young patrician slowly ascended the steps of the dais, and closed
his appeal with an obeisance to the Doge, full of dignity.

The Councillors who sat beside the Doge were holding grave discussion,
for the few words of the young noble had touched upon weighty points;
they had been presented with a simplicity which veiled their diplomatic
force; he was a man of growing power who must be bound to the service
of Venice, even were he not the last of a princely line which the
Republic would fain see continued to her own latest generation. So
unabashed in such a presence, he would be tenacious of his purpose and
hold to his vow with unflinching knightliness.

Venice and his lady were included in his sworn allegiance, and to seek
to make them rivals would be a danger for the Republic.

Never before had appeal been made to this decree; it was not fresh in